Navigating Pacific pathways in the creative sector

The Hon. Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, has just issued a Media Statement on Navigating Pacific pathways in the creative sector, in which the minister says that greater participation of Pacific peoples in the creative, emerging and growth industries is being supported through online resource. The launching of such a resource was held on Friday, 29 August 2008, and is a website, the “Pacific Starmap” website.

In her statement the Minister said that “Pacific peoples are known for their creativity and artistic talent – this is not only a reflection of our cultural identity, it is also a platform for the economic development of our Pacific communities and New Zealand.”

Following is the link to the above mentioned Media Statement of the Hon. Luamanuvao Winnie Laban. So, click on the link and stay informed with what is out there for Pacific peoples, supporting Pacific peoples.

Media Statement on Navigating Pacific pathways in the creative sector

Maryanne

Saane goes to Tonga

Tiare Ahuriri member Saane Unga returned to Tonga a week ago because her mother fell ill. Our love and prayers went with Saane. I am now pleased to say that Saane's mum is much better and Saane is enjoying being home with mum and dad, brothers and sisters, friends and family, and just soaking in Island Life again. It looks like Saane will be back with us in about a week and a half. This blog address has been sent to Saane so, if anyone wants to leave a message for her or just leave a comment, please do so.

Looking forward to the return of our Tongan flower!

Maryanne

Letter to the Editor

PACIFICA Inc president, and member of Tiare Ahuriri branch, Dr Diane Mara sent the following letter to the editor of Hawke’s Bay Today.

PACIFIC SHOWCASE BENEFITS US ALL
(Hawke's Bay Today, 18 August 2008, p. 6)

Dear Editor

The Hawke's Bay sPACIFICally Pacific programme has just finished for another year. I was privileged to attend the opening at the King's House Church on Sunday 10th and the final Cultural Explosion evening at Pettigrew Green Arena on the Friday night. In both cases the venues were packed out. Congratulations for this wonderful exposition and celebration of Pacific youth are due to the organisers, in particular Mr Talalelei Taufale and Rose Fatialofa and members of the sPACIFICally Pacific Hawke's Bay Charitable Trust. The enthusiasm and commitment of the young people from seven Hastings and Napier secondary schools as they performed dances and items from a range of Pacific cultures was a joy to behold. The hours of preparation and the support of school staff, parents and the wider Pacific communities including the churches resulted in polished, precision performances, beautiful costuming, and inventive choreography and staging that would rival any of the performances at the annual secondary school's Polyfest held in Auckland. All of the week's events, thanks to sponsorship, had free admission so there was no barrier to anyone in our community attending and witnessing such talent. In contrast to much of the negative profile given to our youth in the media the positive creativity of this week needs to receive greater attention and a wider appreciation across the region. As the population of Pacific youth of this region grows they will become increasingly engaged in and indeed, increasingly shape the cultural life of Hawke's Bay. sPACIFICally Pacific demonstrates what can be achieved when we support youth to celebrate their cultural heritages and their changing identities so that all our community benefits. Our cross-cultural future is in good hands if events like sPACIFICally Pacific continue to be encouraged and that is up to everyone in our community.

Yours sincerely

Dr Diane Mara
Tiare Ahuriri Branch
PACIFICA Inc.(Pacific Women's Council)

Well said Dr Diane Mara!

Maryanne

sPACIFICally PACIFIC Week

It was a great week for sPACIFICally PACIFIC, the sun shone brightly and people flocked in for the offical opening on Sunday, 10 August, at Kings House Church, Maraenui, Napier, which was officially opened by the Hon. Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, Minister of Pacific Island Affairs. The local community engaged with organisations and schools at the Information Expo and local talent was showcased. PACIFICA’s Tiare Ahuriri was there with members not only on the sPACIFICally PACIFIC committee, and members interacting with the Pacific community from stalls but, the announcement of PACIFICA’s newest branch Tiare Ahuriri was included in the Hon. Luamanuvao Winnie Laban’s offical speech. To read the Minister’s speech, click on the following link. Link to Speech.

Over the week an event occurred each day, there was a Pasifika Drama competition held in Flaxmere, a Primary School festival also held in Flaxmere, a Careers Day that was held at Pukemokimoki Marae in Napier, a Hip Hop Dance competition held at the Pettigrew Green Arena in Taradale, and an amazing Cultural Explosion competition night that would rival Auckland’s Polyfest. It was a fabulous week and Tiare Ahuriri was there judging competitions and supporting our Pacific community.

The sPACIFICally PACIFIC committee did a fabulous job, and it was inspiring to see our Pacific community come out and support our young Pasifika’s. I am sure next year will be even better, for each year this event blows me away with something new.

Maryanne

First time blogger!

Kia orana to our President and all members - wow Tiare Ahuriri sure is up with all the technology - it helps when we have a clever President! Anyway, this is great and I'm already thinking about how we might make use of the Events Calendar. See you all on the 20th!

Introduction

Welcome to Tiare Ahuriri branch blog. The purpose of this blog is to communicate, interact, and keep both Tiare Ahuriri members, and PACIFICA members informed of our activities. What we have done? What we are doing? What we are planning to do?

Our mission, vision and objectives are:

Vision - Strong and Successful Pacific women

Mission - Support, promote and strengthen Pacific women and their communities in Hawke's Bay

Objectives - Have fun, support one another, support our Pacific community, provide a Pacific women's viewpoint in Hawke's Bay, and reach out to our sister branches in Hawke's Bay, and nationally.

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Feel free to leave a comment ladies, or send an email, or you can go to our PACIFICA Incorporated website for further information and contact details. www.pacifica.org.nz

Otherwise, watch this space, there is more to come!!

Maryanne